Katnook Estate | Coonawarra

Katnook Estate and fully restored John Riddoch Original Winery

Rich in heritage and tradition, Katnook Estate is located in the Coonawarra wine region of South Australia. Established in 1867 by Scottish immigrant John Riddoch, the 200 hectare Katnook Estate is one of the oldest existing wineries in the region and boasts some of Australia's finest vineyards on Coonawarra's famous "terra rossa" soil.

Katnook was actually the site of wine pioneer John Riddoch’s first commercial Coonawarra vintage in 1896, but it was not until 1980 that the first wines were made under the Katnook Estate label, crafted in Riddoch’s original winery by Wayne Stehbens, who headed the winemaking team until his sudden passing in November 2017. Wayne was one of the longest serving winemakers in Australia and responsible for a string of remarkable achievements such as twice winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy (1987 for 1986 Cabernet Shiraz blend and 1998 for the 1997 Prodigy Shiraz) as well as a double trophy at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2003.

Accomplished winemaker, Tim Heath, has now assumed the role of Senior Winemaker after previously working for Mount Adam and then latterly as chief winemaker at the renowned Cloudy Bay for 15 years.

Katnook Estate is internationally recognised for its Cabernet Sauvignon and the production of wines with great complexity and distinction. They have three wines in the prestigious Langton’s Classification of Australian Wines, two Jimmy Watson trophies and have a five red star rating in James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2019.

 

KATNOOK ESTATE